Moving Objects

Chapter 12

"You know Christian, I think we have the best looking dates," Eddie said as he bumped Christian's shoulder. Christian rolled his eyes and muttered a comment under his breath before looking at me.

"I guess Rosie looks ok," he said with a shrug.

Hey, I'll take it. It's the nicest thing he's said to me this week. The lobby started to get crowded so we heading towards the banquet hall. Due to the irritation of sunlight against Moroi skin, the student committee that did all the work for prom voted that it happened during our day. But it worked out better for the theme they choose. They went with the whole enchanted forest theme so lots of trees with the help of the earth wilding students and staff and twinkly lights and such. It was over the top and a part of me wanted to gag at it, but looking over at the look of awe on Lissa's face made it worth it. She was happy and that's what was important to me at that moment.

Eddie lead me towards a table and I gratefully sunk down into a chair. It gave me a moment to observe everyone in the room. My dress may have been simple, but it was nicer than what some of the royals were wearing. If I was being honest, they looked fake and tacky with their fake tans and exuberant dresses.

"It's almost over, " Eddie mused next to me.

I snorted a laugh, "We just got here."

"No, I meant school."

I sat back in the chair and nodded in agreeance. It was almost over. This place was my home – I grew here. It was the only parent I really had until recently. I had memories here even if I didn't like most of them. This place would mean something to me after I left. I watched Lissa mingle around with Christian in tow, he looked slightly bored but anytime Lissa turned to look at him he put a smile on his face.

It wasn't long until the food was served and Lissa came to sit with us, all smiles and giggles. I laughed at her as she sat down and we tucked into our food. I was a little more careful because of the dress and I noticed a group of male royals glancing over at our table.

"I wonder why they keep looking over here," Lissa stated as she finished her me. Eddie and I polished off ours far faster than the Moroi at our table, and I eyeballed the last few bites of Lissa's mashed potatoes. Eddie's laughter pulled me away from the potatoes.

"They're looking at you and Rose, Lissa. You two look fantastic, why wouldn't they stare?"

I playfully pushed him, "Oh stop. Flattery will get you nowhere, Castile."

Christian shrugged and made a noise of agreeance. "But he is kind of right. I mean, look at how over the top some people went for this. Sometimes less is better."

"Wow," I said as I raised my hand to my chest, "Two compliments in one night. Did Lissa drug you this morning?"

Christian rolled his eyes at me while smiling, "Knock it off, porky. Don't act like I didn't just see you eyeballing Lissa's leftover food."

I shook my head while laughing, we may be at each other's throats but I did enjoy our banter to an extent. He got me on a level that Lissa didn't, and he used sarcasm to communicate with me. Sure sometimes he could be crude and a bit of an asshole, but I was grateful for those qualities at the same time.

I took my napkin off my lap and placed it on the table, "I'm going to get a drink. I'll be right back," I said before heading towards the long table. As cliché as punch at prom was, it was really good and nobody had managed to spike it yet.

"Hathaway, you look hot."

I set the ladle back into the bowl and rolled my eyes, lifting my glass to my lips as I turned away from the table. Maybe I'd be lucky to get back to the table before being accosted by Jesse. But no such luck, he stepped into my path as I tried to step around him.